Kitchen Sink with Integrated Dish Strainer

ABSTRACT

An integrated sink and dish strainer system is disclosed that provides a convenient built-in combination sink, dish strainer, and/or drying rack that keeps the drying rack and dish strainer discreetly out of sight. The integrated sink and dish strainer system comprises a sink for receiving water from a faucet and at least one recessed pocket secured to one or both of the opposing side portions of the sink. Furthermore, the recessed pockets comprise at least one dish strainer/drying rack. The recessed pockets keep the dish strainer/drying rack discreetly out of sight. Further, the recessed pockets each form a drain board. The drain boards are typically slanted toward the sink to allow for water run-off, spray rinsing, and effortless clean-up.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,077 filed May 24, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Typically, traditional sink designs do not have an integrated dish strainer and/or drying rack. This forces users to utilize separate dish strainer and/or drying rack equipment. However, all current designs place these components at eye level, which may appear messy and cluttered. Further, dish strainers and/or drying racks must also be kept on the countertop surface, which limits available space for food preparation. Thus, users need a sink design that seamlessly integrates all necessary components of the dish cleaning process.

The present invention comprises a sink designed with a built-in dish strainer for convenient usage. The integrated system is a combination sink/dish-strainer/drying rack that keeps the drying rack and dish-strainer discreetly out of sight. This allows the user to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing kitchen appearance while still having all of the functionality of a dish strainer and/or drying rack available whenever necessary. The system's integrated multi-functional racks provide stylish, full-time availability of function. Further, the slanted drain boards allow for water runoff, spray rinsing and effortless clean-up. Thus, the fitted custom-racks make this system a fully-integrated cleaning system.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises an integrated sink and dish strainer system that provides a convenient built-in combination sink, dish strainer, and/or drying rack that keeps the drying rack and dish strainer discreetly out of sight. The integrated sink and dish strainer system comprises a sink for receiving water from a faucet and at least one recessed pocket secured to one or both of the opposing side portions of the sink. Furthermore, the recessed pockets comprise at least one repositionable dish strainer/drying rack.

In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter of the recessed pockets is vertically flush with a counter top. Further, the dish strainer/drying rack extends upward and is vertically flush with the counter top as well. Thus, the under-mounted recessed pockets keep the dish strainer/drying rack discreetly out of sight. Further, the bottom of the recessed pockets form drain boards that are typically slanted toward the sink to allow for water run-off, spray rinsing, and effortless clean-up.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the integrated sink and dish strainer system in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the integrated sink and dish strainer system in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the dish strainer leg set in a recess of the drain board in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the integrated sink and dish strainer system in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the integrated sink and dish strainer system showing only one recessed pocket in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the integrated sink and dish strainer system showing two recessed pockets in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a sink designed with a built-in dish strainer for convenient usage. The integrated sink and dish strainer system is a combination sink/dish-strainer/drying rack that keeps the drying rack and dish-strainer discreetly out of sight. This allows the user to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing kitchen appearance while still having all of the functionality of a dish strainer and/or drying rack available whenever necessary. Thus, the combination of the fitted, custom drying racks and the recessed pockets and drain boards make this system a fully-integrated cleaning system.

The integrated sink and dish strainer system comprises a sink for receiving water from a faucet and at least one recessed pocket secured to one or both of the opposing side portions of the sink. Furthermore, the recessed pockets comprise at least one dish strainer/drying rack. The recessed pockets keep the dish strainer/drying rack discreetly out of sight. Further, the bottom of the recessed pockets form drain boards. The drain boards are typically slanted toward the sink to allow for water run-off, spray rinsing, and effortless clean-up.

Furthermore, the present invention can be retrofitted into an existing sink base/cabinet. If the sink is a top-mounted sink, then a dishwasher could fit under the recessed pockets (or wings). If the sink is an under-mounted sink, then a user is only sacrificing the adjoining cabinet's upper drawer. For example, a 42 inch sink would only need a 30 inch sink base when using this invention. Additionally, the recessed pockets attached to either side of the sink base can be of different dimensions. For example, one of the recessed pockets can be smaller than the other recessed pocket. The smaller recessed pocket can be used for food preparation, and the inside of the recessed pocket can not only comprise a dish strainer/drying rack but also a removable cutting board. The cutting board, when installed in the recessed pocket, would be positioned at countertop height, unlike most cutting boards, which sit above the sink.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6 illustrate the integrated sink and dish strainer system 100 that provides a convenient built-in combination sink, dish strainer, and/or drying rack that keeps the drying rack and dish strainer discreetly out of sight. The integrated sink and dish strainer system 100 comprises a sink 102 for receiving water from a faucet 104 and at least one recessed pocket 106 secured to a portion of the sink 102 (as shown in FIG. 1).

The sink 102 comprises an open top 108, opposing side portions 110, a back portion 112 retaining the faucet 104, and a front portion 114 (as shown in FIG. 1). Typically, the sink 102 is generally rectangular in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The sink 102 would generally be constructed of stainless steel, slate, granite, soapstone, or solid surface materials (i.e. Corian®), etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the sink 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The sink 102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. The sink 102 is approximately between 20 and 30 inches wide as measured from the opposing side portions 110, and approximately between 9 and 10 inches in height as measured from the open top 108 to the bottom 116, and approximately between 18 and 22 inches in depth as measured from the front portion 114 to the back portion 112.

Typically, the sink 102 is a prior art sink and functions as a typical sink. The sink 102 comprises a basin for receiving water from a faucet 104 and a drain 118 for expelling the water from the basin. The sink 102 can be any suitable sink as is known in the art, and can have one basin or can be partitioned into multiple basins. Generally, the faucet 104 is secured via hardware to the back portion 112 of the sink 102, but the faucet 104 does not need to be secured to the back portion 112 and can be secured to any suitable position on the sink 102. Additionally, the perimeter of the sink is vertically flush with a counter top 120, (i.e, the sink 102 is configured to be undermounted to the counter top 120).

The integrated sink and dish strainer system 100 further comprises at least one recessed pocket 106 secured to one or both of the opposing side portions 110 of the sink 102 (as shown in FIGS. 5-6). In a preferred embodiment, a recessed pocket 106 is secured to each of the opposing side portions 110. The recessed pockets 106 can be secured to the opposing side portions 110 via welding, hardware, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The recessed pockets 106 can also be formed as an integral piece with the sink 102.

The recessed pockets 106 comprise an open top 122, opposing side portions 124, a back portion 126, and a front portion 128. Typically, the recessed pockets 106 are rectangular in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The recessed pockets 106 would generally be constructed of the same materials as the sink 102, such as stainless steel, slate, granite, soapstone, or solid surface materials (i.e. Corian®), etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the recessed pockets 106 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The recessed pockets 106 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. The recessed pockets 106 are approximately between 14 and 16 inches wide as measured from the opposing side portions 124, and approximately between 4 ¼ and 4 ½ inches in height as measured from the open top 122 to the bottom 130, and approximately between 18 and 22 inches in depth as measured from the front portion 128 to the back portion 126. However, the recessed pockets 106 can be any suitable width, height, and depth, depending on the size and shape of the sink 102 with which it is being used. Further, the recessed pockets 106 positioned on the left and the right side of the sink can comprise different dimensions as well.

Furthermore, the recessed pockets 106 comprise at least one dish strainer/drying rack 132 (as shown in FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, each of the recessed pockets 106 comprises a dish strainer/drying rack 132. Typically, the dish strainer/drying rack 132 is a prior art dish strainer/drying rack and functions as a typical dish strainer/drying rack to hold and dry dishes and other kitchen items. The dish strainer/drying rack 132 can be any suitable dish strainer/drying rack as is known in the art, and is generally constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the dish strainer/drying rack 132 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

Typically, the dish strainer/drying racks 132 sit within the recessed pockets 106 via legs 300 which engage recesses (or pockets) 302 on the bottom surface 130 of the recessed pocket 106. These pockets 302 act to hold the dish strainer/drying rack 132 in place and prevent movement during use, but also allow for removal of the dish strainer/drying rack 132 for cleaning. Thus, the dish strainer/drying rack 132 is self-stored while in the sink 102, and requires no separate storage facilities. The only time a user needs to remove the dish strainer/drying rack 132 is to clean it.

Additionally, the perimeter of the recessed pockets 106 is vertically flush with a counter top 120, (i.e., the recessed pockets 106 are configured to be undermounted to the counter top 120). Further, the dish strainer/drying rack 132 extends upward and is vertically flush with the counter top 120. For example, the dish strainer/drying rack 132 is designed to be ¼ inches below the top edge of the sink 102, allowing the dish strainer/drying rack 132 to be below the counter plane. Thus, the undermounted recessed pockets 106 keep the dish strainer/drying rack 132 discreetly out of sight. Further, the bottom of the recessed pockets 106 form drain boards 304 which are typically slanted toward the sink 102 to allow for water run-off, spray rinsing, and effortless clean-up.

Furthermore, the recessed pockets 106 could also have a covered top. In this manner, the dish strainer/drying racks 132 would truly be hidden from view and the user could make use of the additional counter space above the recessed pocket 106. For example, the covered top can be a stainless steel cover, or any other suitable cover that would extend over and across the recessed pocket 106. A user would have to remove the covered top before utilizing the dish strainer/drying rack 132. Additionally, other kitchen supplies, such as a cutting board, can be stored or contained with the recessed pockets 106, so they can be rinsed off without getting water on the countertops.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dish strainer leg 300 set in a pocket (or recess or cup) 302 of the drain board 304. Typically, the dish strainer/drying racks 132 sit within the recessed pockets 106 via legs 300 which engage pockets 302 on the bottom surface 130 of the recessed pocket 106 or on the bottom surface of the drain board 304. These pockets 302 act to hold the dish strainer/drying rack 132 in place and prevent movement during use, but also allow for removal of the dish strainer/drying rack 132 for cleaning, storage, etc. Specifically, the legs 300 have a rounded foot 306 that engages the pockets 302 of the drain board 304 or recessed pocket 106. The rounded foot 306 can also comprise a rubber covering 308 or any other suitable covering for protecting the foot 306 and/or providing for a non-slip surface. The dish strainer/drying racks 132 comprise as many legs 300 as necessary to secure and stabilize the dish strainer/drying racks 132 within the recessed pockets 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates the integrated sink and dish strainer system 100 in use. In operation, a user 400 would choose the color and/or specific design of the sink 102, faucet 104, and recessed pockets 106 that meets their needs and/or wants. The user 400 would then determine what type of dish strainer/drying rack 132 to place in the recessed pockets 106. The user 400 then places the dish strainer/drying rack 132 over top of the drain board 304 formed in the bottom of the recessed pockets 106. Specifically, the user 400 positions the dish strainer/drying rack 132 into the recessed pockets 106 by aligning the legs 300 of the dish strainer/drying rack 132 with the recesses or pockets 302 of the drain board 304, such that the legs 300 engage the pockets 302 of the drain board 304.

Once the dish strainer/drying rack 132 is positioned in the recessed pockets 106, a user 400 can utilize the sink 102 and dish strainer/drying rack 132 as usual to store dishes while they are drying. Thus, the integrated system 100 is a combination sink 102 and dish strainer/drying rack 132 that keeps the drying rack and dish-strainer discreetly out of sight. This allows the user 400 to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing kitchen appearance while still having all of the functionality of a dish strainer and/or drying rack available whenever necessary.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated sink and dish strainer system comprising: a sink for receiving water from a faucet, wherein the sink comprises: an open top, opposing side portions, a back portion retaining the faucet, and a front portion; and at least one recessed pocket formed as an integral piece to an opposing side portion of the sink.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the sink is positioned below a counter top.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one recessed pocket comprises at least one dish strainer/drying rack.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one dish strainer/drying rack extends upward from a bottom of the at least one recessed pocket and is positioned below the counter top.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein there is a recessed pocket formed as an integral piece to each opposing side portion of the sink.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein both of the recessed pockets comprise a dish strainer/drying rack.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein a bottom of the at least one recessed pocket forms a drain board.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the drain board is slanted toward the sink.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the dish strainer/drying rack is comprised of at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one recessed pocket is approximately between 14 and 16 inches wide, approximately between 18 and 22 inches deep, and approximately between 4 ½ and 4 ¾ inches high.
 11. An integrated sink and dish strainer system comprising: a sink for receiving water from a faucet, wherein the sink comprises: an open top, opposing side portions, a back portion retaining the faucet, and a front portion; and a recessed pocket formed as an integral piece to both opposing side portions of the sink.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein a perimeter of the sink is vertically flush with a counter top.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein both of the recessed pockets comprise a dish strainer/drying rack.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the dish strainer/drying racks extend upward from a bottom of the recessed pockets and are positioned below the counter top.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein a bottom of each recessed pocket forms a drain board.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the drain boards are slanted toward the sink.
 17. An integrated sink and dish strainer system comprising: a sink for receiving water from a faucet, wherein the sink comprises: an open top, opposing side portions, a back portion retaining the faucet, and a front portion; and wherein a perimeter of the sink is positioned below a counter top; and a recessed pocket formed as an integral piece to both opposing side portions of the sink; and a dish strainer/drying rack removable secured within both of the recessed pockets.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dish strainer/drying racks extend upward from a bottom of the recessed pockets and are positioned below the counter top.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein a bottom of each recessed pocket forms a drain board.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the drain boards are slanted toward the sink. 